Pearce has grade one strain of left oblique

ST. PETERSBURG -- Steve Pearce underwent an MRI on his left oblique injury that revealed a Grade 1 strain, which is the lowest of the three grades of severity.

"[It] showed some inflammation in there, but [it's] not as severe as it could have been. He's obviously got something in there," manager Buck Showalter said about Pearce, who went in his office on Thursday to discuss going on the disabled list.

"I know the normal times those things take. It's tough because you can't go test it. It was definitely a good decision to put him on. I'd say it's iffy if he makes the DL period."

Pearce's DL stay is retroactive to July 19 and obliques are notoriously pesky injuries, so the O's will be cautious in bringing him back. He will likely remain with the team throughout his rehab until he can play for an affiliate, though nothing has been decided yet.